2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Nov 18, 2024

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

MCA 101 - Introduction to the Theory, History & Analysis of Media

Introduction to the Theory, History & Analysis of Media is an introduction to the study of media, critical theory and cultural studies. It is designed to jumpstart students’ work toward future studies in the major. The course engages in a series of media-focused case studies, pairing analyses of wide-ranging media “texts” with influential theoretical approaches such as semiotics, structuralism/post-structuralism, ideological analysis, psychoanalysis, feminist and queer theory, critical race theory, theories of post-colonialism and globality, as well as theories from media and technology studies. We examine cultural formations created and disseminated on many scales, by individuals as well as industries, and the ways in which these forms of media resonate in everyday life, on personal, local, national, and global levels.

Additional meeting time for discussion section.

Prerequisites: IDND 018 or Writing placement

Corequisites: Students wishing to major in MCA should take a Media Production Workshop alongside MCA 101. Consult the MCA major requirements for a list of qualifying courses.

Course Designation/Attribute: VE, WE

Anticipated Terms Offered: Fall